Whilst technically the occasion itself happened in June (Saturday 30th to be precise) I posted numerous Facebook posts and helped generate plenty of press coverage in the first week of July, for an event I have supported throughout my 13 years as the Member of Parliament for the Forest of Dean – the Relay for Life in Lydney. So I hope you’ll forgive me for kicking off the July posting with some reflections on this outstanding event…
Every year the Relay for Life raises a phenomenal amount of money for Cancer Research UK UK and this year was no different. Once again, the volunteer organisers did a great job, especially on a boiling hot day, and it was an event that I was proud to be at. The commitment shown by everyone who took part was impressive and I am already looking forward to the 2019 edition. Let’s hope the weather is just as good!
Moving into July, I welcomed Tess Tremlett and Gary Deighton to Westminster for the NHS70 Parliamentary Awards ceremony. I have known Tess for some time and she has, until earlier this year, been the Community Engagement Manager for the Forest of Dean District Council (FODDC). Gary is the Healthy Lifestyle Co-ordinator for the Forest of Dean. We’re pictured with Simon Stevens, the Chief Executive of NHS England.
I nominated the Community Engagement Team at FODDC for the Healthier Communities Award and I was extremely pleased to see them deservedly shortlisted. This was excellent recognition for the work they do in partnership with the NHS to improve constituents’ lives and reduce social isolation. The team offers advice and support on health and well-being, community safety, children and young people and older and vulnerable people.
Although they were narrowly pipped to winning the award (which went to the Islington GP Foundation) the fact that the Community Engagement Team was shortlisted, against some very stiff competition from all over the country, was fantastic and I know they will continue to provide outstanding support to my constituents in the Forest of Dean.
Back in the constituency, I joined Cllr Len Lawton to pay a visit to the ICBP International Centre for Birds of Prey in Newent and we had a really interesting tour of this excellent Forest of Dean attraction.
The Centre has been a Charity since 2015 and I was hugely impressed to hear about their important conservation work. The team work on projects all over the world and save many of the most endangered species of birds of prey.
In the picture I am with a baby Snowy Owl that was just a few weeks old and who will grow up to look like Hedwig from the Harry Potter films!